The Humane State Program (HSP) provides training on disaster readiness, compassion fatigue, investigations and many other topics relevant to shelter, rescue and law enforcement

Managing community cats

“Community cats” are typically un-owned or semi-owned cats, comprised of both strays (lost and abandoned former pets who may be suitable for home environments) and ferals (extremely fearful of people and not welcoming of human attention, making them unsuitable for home environments), who are the offspring of other feral or stray cats. Some community cats can be considered loosely owned, meaning that concerned residents feed them and may provide some form of shelter in their own homes or on their own property, but do not always identify the cats as their own personal pets.

Communities around the country are increasingly using TNR as the preferred method of cat control. Here, we examine the best medical practices for TNR, starting from the moment of capture through the time of release. Some of these steps will likely be performed by trappers and caregivers, others by the veterinarians performing the examinations, vaccinations, and surgeries.

Focused on what local leaders want and need to know, this guide offers an in-depth look at community cat management programs. It offers proactive approaches and collaborative efforts that local communities can use to humanely reduce the unowned cat population.

What comes next for the campaign that delivered on its lifesaving promise?

Broad collaboration makes powerful use of bequest dollars

Here’s how an unprecedented public-private partnership enabled a Northern Kentucky district to make the best use of bequest dollars— while setting a lifesaving example for communities across the country.